Halloween weekend protests expected in Germany and France

In Germany, approximately 150,000 people have registered to participate in protests planned across roughly 30 cities, including Berlin, Frankfurt, and Cologne, scheduled for Saturday. Police are increasing their presence nationwide, with thousands of additional officers being deployed. Some businesses, particularly luxury retailers, are taking precautionary measures such as boarding up windows.

The protests in Germany are being organized by a group calling themselves “GenZ regelt!”, which translates to “Gen Z has got this!”. Demonstrators are voicing concerns about the high cost of living, inadequate school facilities, government budget cuts, and a perceived lack of consideration for younger generations in political decision-making.

These demonstrations are part of a broader wave of youth-led protests that have recently spread across Europe, with similar complaints regarding rising prices, declining educational standards, and limited future opportunities.

France is also bracing for potential unrest, echoing the youth-led protests that have occurred for the past three weekends. Businesses in Paris and other cities are boarding up windows in anticipation. French authorities will deploy 70,000 police officers across the country, and more than 40 Paris metro stations will be temporarily closed. The use of face-covering masks will be prohibited at demonstrations.

France’s interior minister has cautioned of a “very high risk” of disorder this weekend. Recent weeks have seen widespread unrest, initially sparked by protests against the cost of living and school conditions, which escalated into looting and riots. While authorities have attempted to curb violent protests, demonstrations and clashes with police continued last weekend.

Alain Di Crescenzo, president of France’s Chamber of Commerce, expressed concern among business owners. “Shopkeepers can’t wait for Saturday to be over,” Di Crescenzo stated to France Inter. He added that Halloween “is not helping matters,” as it may complicate identification due to people wearing masks.